The nursing program at Raritan Valley Community College has received the largest gift in its history from the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation (SHCHF) in support of the College’s nursing students.
The $100,000 donation to the RVCC Foundation was announced recently by the Community Foundation of New Jersey. The gift will fund 10 full scholarships—the first full scholarships in the nursing program’s history—at $7,500 each, with an additional $25,000 to be used to help offset textbook and nursing program expenses for dozens of other nursing students.
“The importance of this gift to our nursing program cannot be overstated; it is unprecedented in its size and its impact on our Nursing students,” said Michael McDonough, president of Raritan Valley Community College. “We are grateful for the leadership and generosity of the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation.”
Kathy Cummins, SHCHF board chairperson, said the foundation was committed to healthcare worker availability and employment, and ultimately stronger, healthier communities in Somerset and Morris counties.
“Through the Visiting Nurse Association, we know firsthand that nurses not only help people get well, but also fundamentally change lives. It is our privilege to support future Raritan Valley nursing students,” Cummins said. “The future of nursing starts now.”
Linda J. Romaine, chair, RVCC Health Science Education Department, said RVCC was grateful to the SHCHF for supporting the college’s students.
“Given the challenges of the last two years, this gift is also a timely, triumphant affirmation of their choice to become nurses,” Romaine said. “The fruits of this support will pay dividends to the community for years, as our nursing grads go on to serve countless lives in their careers as health professionals.”
To be eligible for the scholarships, students must be enrolled in the College’s nursing program and be participating in their second year of clinicals during the 2022-2023 academic year. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students also must demonstrate some financial need, which will be determined by completing a FAFSA application.
The Raritan Valley Community College Nursing program offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing, which prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who wish to advance in their careers by becoming a Registered Nurse may enter the LPN-RN (PNAD) Degree option. The program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The courses of study for both options are designed as career programs, although graduates may wish to continue studies for a baccalaureate degree in nursing at a four-year institution. Articulation agreements which enhance the transfer process are in effect with numerous colleges and universities.
For those seeking additional information about ways to support the College and the work of the RVCC Foundation, or for additional information about the scholarships, contact Mike Marion, executive director, at 908-648-8567 or michael.marion@raritanval.edu, or visit https://rvccfoundation.org.
About the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation
The Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation (SHCHF) is a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation of New Jersey. Created from funds raised by the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills, a provider of home and community-based healthcare services, SHCHF’s founding coincided with the announcement that the Visiting Nurses Association of Somerset Hills joined with the Atlantic Health System family to form Atlantic Visiting Nurse. SHCHF seeks to fund projects and programs that promote healthier individuals and communities in Morris and Somerset counties. For more information visit www.cfnj.org/somersethills.
About the Community Foundation of New Jersey
The Community Foundation of New Jersey creates and scales custom solutions for purpose-driven individuals, families, and businesses. From creative projects that tackle critical societal or policy issues to scholarship funds, corporate philanthropy, legacy funds and donor advised funds, CFNJ manages nearly every kind of giving vehicle and tailors solutions to meet critical needs. CFNJ’s team of specialists understands the unique contours of communities and manages the scope of CFNJ investment and grantmaking capabilities with precision. With $800 million in assets, the Community Foundation grants tens of millions of dollars each year through its more than 1,100 funds. In 2021, CFNJ granted more than $100 million to nonprofits in New Jersey and beyond.
About RVCC
Ranked by WalletHub.com and Niche.com as the No. 1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
